Take a Deep Breath and Ask for What You Want
File this one under 'simple techniques, that, when taught & role modeled 1000 times, will produce life-long benefits for your child.' The scene: your 4 year old is upset because you have brought her the pink shoes instead of the purple ones. (How could you?!) Whining, crying, yelling and more fun stuff are starting to rear their heads.
Q: What should I do when my child unbuckles his seatbelt?
Question: My child keeps unbuckling his carseat, what should I do? Answer: This is a great opportunity to fabricate a teachable moment. Make sure to do these things ahead of time:
New digs!
I got an exciting 40 pound delivery a couple of weeks ago-
Back to School
I am reminded that even when kids & families are still within their 'green zone,' back-to-school is still a stressor. Everywhere I look, I see more tears, more tantrums, more exasperated parents, more frustrated voices than usual.
The Best Gift Idea
Short and simple--the best gifts are often experiences, rather than things.Most of the kids I know & work with don't need any more THINGS. They have too many already. But what they do need, and want, are more connected, loving, fun, adventurous, memorable experiences--especially experiences with their parents.Next time you have a gift-giving opportunity, consider giving an experience. You can [...]
Oracles
On his travel blog, Rick Steves once explained the 'secret' of the Oracles at Delphi, saying this: Two thousand five hundred years ago, movers and shakers from throughout the ancient world went to Delphi to get advice from the Delphi priests. The priests weren't in cahoots with the gods. They just interviewed everyone who came to them, thinking that they [...]
Q: When should a parent seek professional help?
Therapy can be supportive at any stage, and can help improve relationships by resolving minor challenges before they become a major problem.
Behavior 201, for Parents
The best way to shape a child's behavior doesn't happen after they've done something WRONG--it happens before & after they do something RIGHT.
3 Parenting Tips Worth Repeating
Who has time to read an entire parenting book these days? It's amazing how much time & energy it takes to chew through a 350 page epic on how you "should" parent.
Book Review: 2 books about divorce for parents
Parents ask about books on divorce a lot. I love to recommend books, too, because there is SO much good information available. I encourage every parent I work with to purchase books on divorce for their kids, and to read one for themselves, too.